By Leo Roth
Democrat and Chronicle

ORCHARD PARK (Tuesday, January 29, 2002) -- The Buffalo Bills appear to be facing a lot of competition for some of the bigger names to fill their vacant offensive coordinator opening.

New Orleans, San Diego, Dallas, Miami and Minnesota are among the other teams looking for an offensive boss. The Bills fired Mike Sheppard last Friday after one season and it's believed coach Gregg Williams is seeking a more experienced assistant this time.

Kevin Gilbride, who worked with Williams in Houston, is very likely to emerge as the early leading candidate.

Gilbride interviewed recently with Minnesota for its offensive coordinator's job. He also reportedly put the New Orleans Saints on hold for its offer to coach their quarterbacks so he could speak with another team about a more prestigious position. That team could be the Bills.

Mike Riley, fired as San Diego's head coach, is also believed to be interested in Buffalo's opening. He also spoke formally with the Vikings, but could wind up with New Orleans where he's connected with general manager Randy Mueller.

Lineman signed: The Bills announced the signing of free agent defensive tackle Demetrious Maxie, a seven-year veteran of the CFL. The 6-foot-2, 290-pound UTEP product played for Saskatchewan last season. He's a former CFL All-Star with Toronto.